Chasm Lake
Stand at the foot of Longs Peak's 2,400-foot Diamond face, one of the most dramatic lake views in Colorado.
About Chasm Lake
Chasm Lake fills a stark cirque directly beneath the east face of Longs Peak, the sheer wall climbers call the Diamond. From the Longs Peak Trailhead off CO-7 south of Estes Park, the route climbs through forest, breaks above treeline, and traverses high above Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls before a short scramble up a rocky headwall to the lake at about 11,800 feet.
The round trip is about 8.5-8.8 miles with roughly 2,500 feet of gain. It is a big day but far more achievable than Longs itself, and the payoff is staggering: the Diamond rises more than 2,400 feet above the water, with Mount Meeker (13,911 ft) to the south.
The trailhead lot is small and fills extremely early, often in the pre-dawn hours, because it also serves Longs Peak climbers.
An 8.8-mile out-and-back near Estes Park and one of the tougher approaches in the park, rated challenging and popular with hikers, horseback riders, and snowshoers alike. It's open year-round, best June through October, no dogs allowed — the Diamond face of Longs Peak looms directly over the lake, and it's worth the extra effort for a composition few casual hikers ever reach.
History
Chasm Lake lies in a glacial cirque carved into the east side of Longs Peak (14,259 ft), Rocky Mountain National Park's only fourteener. The Diamond, the peak's sheer east face, is one of the most famous alpine big walls in North America, and from the lake you can often watch climbers working up it. Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool sit in the gorge below. The area has been part of Rocky Mountain National Park since its creation in 1915.
Photographing Chasm Lake
Best light: Sunrise is the reason to go: the Diamond faces east and turns fiery orange in first light, with the lake below still in shadow. July and August bring wildflowers near Columbine Falls, and the snow-free window is roughly July through October.
Shots to look for
- The Diamond in alpenglow reflected in Chasm Lake from the outlet end (14-24mm)
- Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls from the traverse above, with Mount Meeker beyond
- Climbers on the Diamond as scale with a telephoto (200-400mm)
- Sunrise over the plains looking back east from the trail above treeline
Photo tips
- To catch sunrise light on the Diamond, start around 3-4 a.m. with a headlamp
- Bring binoculars or a long lens to watch climbers on the face
- Expect cold wind at the lake even in summer; pack gloves and a puffy
- Drones are prohibited in national parks
- Trekking poles help on the rocky Mills Moraine section and headwall
Know before you go
- A snowfield near Peacock Pool can be dangerous and avalanche-prone in winter and spring; check NPS conditions
- The Longs Peak Trailhead lot often fills before dawn; no car camping in the lot
- Timed entry rules change yearly; check the NPS page for whether your arrival time needs a reservation
- Afternoon lightning is a serious hazard above treeline; descend early
Prints from Chasm Lake
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Chasm Lake hike?
About 8.5-8.8 miles round trip with roughly 2,500 feet of gain, starting from the Longs Peak Trailhead.
When is the best time to hike to Chasm Lake?
July through October is generally snow-free. Start very early to beat parking crowds and afternoon thunderstorms.
Is the Chasm Lake hike dangerous?
It involves a short rocky scramble near the end, high exposure to weather, and a seasonal snowfield near Peacock Pool. Check NPS conditions and turn back if weather threatens.
Featured in: Best Sunrise Photography Spots in Colorado · Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado
Combine it with
Longs Peak · Estes Park · Lily Lake · Wild Basin
More Colorado spots
Dream Lake · Sawhill Ponds Wildlife Preserve · Wellington Lake
Sources & further reading: rockymountainhikingtrails.com · 5280.com · home.nps.gov. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.